Palm Beach County, FL Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential
- No permit (FL §163.045 preempt)
- Arborist Note
- Required for hazard removal
- Commercial
- PBC ULDC Art. 14 applies
- Mangroves
- FL DEP permit (FS §403.9326)
- Right-of-Way
- PBC Engineering permit
Summary
Tree trimming in unincorporated Palm Beach County is largely deregulated for residential parcels following FL FS §163.045 (2019), which preempts local permit requirements when an ISA-certified arborist documents that trimming is necessary. PBC ULDC Article 14 still governs trimming in landscape buffers and on commercial sites.
163.045  Tree pruning, trimming, or removal on residential property. — (1)  For purposes of this section, the term: (a)  “Documentation” means an onsite assessment performed in accordance with the tree risk assessment procedures outlined in Best Management Practices - Tree Risk Assessment, Second Edition (2017) by an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or a Florida licensed landscape architect and signed by the certified arborist or licensed landscape architect. (b)  “Residential property” means a single-family, detached building located on a lot that is actively used for single-family residential purposes and that is either a conforming use or a legally recognized nonconforming use in accordance with the local jurisdiction’s applicable land development regulations. (2)  A local government may not require a notice, application, approval, permit, fee, or mitigation for the pruning, trimming, or removal of a tree on a residential property if the property owner possesses documentation from an arborist certified by the ISA or a Florida licensed landscape architect that the tree poses an unacceptable risk to persons or property.
Full Breakdown
FL §163.045 prohibits PBC from requiring a notice, application, approval, permit, fee, or mitigation for the pruning, trimming, or removal of a tree on residential property when an ISA-certified arborist or licensed Florida landscape architect documents in writing that the tree presents a danger. For routine non-hazardous trimming on residential parcels, no permit is required. Commercial, industrial, and multifamily sites must comply with PBC ULDC Art. 14 (Landscape) requiring preservation of required canopy and avoidance of severe hat-racking. Mangroves on coastal parcels are protected under FL FS §403.9321-§403.9333 (Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act) administered by Florida DEP, with permits required for any trim removing more than 25 percent of canopy. Trees in PBC right-of-way require an ROW permit from PBC Engineering.
Violations & Fines
Hat-racking on commercial sites: ULDC Art. 14 violation, replacement required and Special Magistrate fines to 250 dollars per day. Unpermitted mangrove trim: FL DEP enforcement, fines up to 250 dollars per tree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to trim my oak tree?
What about mangroves along the Intracoastal?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palm Beach County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Palm Beach County to another location·View the Florida landscaping rules overview
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